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Introduction - Child Development
Child Development & Family Studies

The Child Development profession is growing rapidly and now offers a wide variety of challenging career possibilities. Schools, government agencies and special programs need professionally trained people to work and develop this country's most valuable resource - our children.

San Jacinto College can prepare you to become a part of this rewarding and exciting field. We prepare you for existing opportunities as a teacher, director or owner of a private, church-related, government, corporate or non-profit school for children or as a teacher's aide in a public school system. Refer to SJCD Catalog for course descriptions.

The Children's Center is a developmentally appropriate designed program to meet the social, emotional, physical and cognitive needs of young children. The lab school serves as an observational and developmentally directed appropriate learning experience for child development majors. The lab school has been awarded accreditation by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. Accreditation means that the center has gone through an extensive self-study to assure that this program is of the highest quality.

The Associate of Arts degree in Child Development and Family Studies will transfer to numerous Texas universities toward an Interdisciplinary bachelor's degree with emphasis on early childhood education (EC-4). The department offers several degree plans and certificates upon program completion:

Associate of Arts degree  Transfer curriculum Child Development & Family Studies (Link to CAPPS) An Associate of Arts Degree is available for students working toward a baccalaureate degree with teacher certification for Early Childhood Education (EC-4th grade, effective September, 2002). See a Child Development department chairman or a counselor.

Students who will pursue a four year degree at the university should enroll in the Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree plan for a maximum of transferable credit. All students considering transfer should consult with a counselor regarding the specific requirements of various universities for this major.

Associate of Applied Science Degree Child Development & Family Studies - This curriculum is designed to develop basic skills, attitudes and competencies necessary for personnel to provide high-quality care and early education in preschools and childcare centers.

Child Care Administrators Credential - The Child Care Administrator's Credential has been designed to provide educational training for persons interested in teaching young children and/or directing childcare centers. The credential is 19-20 semester credit hours. Upon successful completion of the courses, the student will be awarded a credential approved by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. Three years after completion of the Child Care Administrator's Credential, renewal requirements must have been met which consist of completing an additional child development course.

Child Development - Associate Training for Directors - The Child Development Associate Training for Directors/ Occupational Certificate has been designed to provide educational training for persons interested in teaching young children and/or directing childcare centers. The certificate requires completion of 16 semester credit hours. Upon successful completion of the courses and upon receiving the Child Development Associate Credential from the Council of Early Childhood Recognition in Washington, D.C., the student meets director qualifications as set forth in the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services MINIMUM STANDARDS & GUIDELINES

Child Development & Family Studies

Child Development - Teachers Aid 

Child Development - Parent/Child Specialist - San Jacinto College provides opportunity for additional professional development in two areas of specialization: Curriculum Specialist and/or Parent/Child Specialist, which may be obtained after completion of the Administrator's Credential program. Each specialization requires completion of four courses. Application for these certificates should be made in the department office.

Child Development - Associate Training - This certificate is designed to prepare childcare personnel for the Child Development Associate credential. The curriculum follows the six competency areas established by the Council for Early Childhood Recognition. A certificate of training will be awarded upon successful completion of the courses listed.

Who is Eligible?

High school graduates from the following districts are eligible for articulation with credit in the Child Development and Family Studies department at San Jacinto College Central: Clear Creek, Deer Park, Fort Bend, Galena Park, Goose Creek, La Porte, Pasadena and Pearland.

Which high school courses are included?

Child Development Early Childhood Professions I & II Individual and Family Life Preparation for Parenting PL or WBL/Child Care and Guidance Management Services Career Preparation I & II Ready, Set, Teach

Students may choose the Child Development and Family Studies A.A.S. and/or the Certificate of Technology

What college courses are included?

The Child Development and Family Studies Department will recognize local agreements, as well as, statewide agreements.

CDEC 1303 - Family and the Community

CDEC 1319 - Child Guidance

CDEC 1321 - The Infant and Toddler

CDEC 1354 - Child Growth and Development

FMLD 1353 - Marriage and Family Issues

IFWA 1318 - Nutrition for the Food Service Professional

How do you apply?

Contact Dr. Debbie Simpson-Smith at 281.476.1867 or Debbie.Simpson-Smith@sjcd.edu for more information.